Paul VI’s Billy Saffin (14) is congratulated by Panther head coach Michael Grandizio. Saffin’s TD gave the Panther’s a 28-14 lead in the second quarter. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

As the Bishop Ireton Cardinals burst onto the field Oct. 6 in Alexandria, hopes were high for a victory against rival Paul VI Catholic High School of Fairfax. By the time the game ended, the 509 rushing yards accumulated by the Panthers were no match for the Cardinals as they fell to Paul VI 56-28.

The Panthers only attempted two passes during the game and both of them were incomplete. The rest of their plays were on the ground, including eight touchdown runs of 71, 60, 41, 40, 30, 15, 3 and 1 yard.